South-East Europe (SEE) remains an area of concern and a continuing priority under the European Union Strategy to Combat the Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition. Despite progress achieved over recent years, the region has continued to face challenges related to the large accumulation of SALW and ammunition, inadequate storage conditions, widespread illicit possession, and gaps in policy development and implementation capacity.
Recognizing the need for sustained intervention, the EU adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/2356 to support SEESAC's continued disarmament and arms control work. This decision built upon the successful implementation of Council Decision 2013/730/CFSP (2013-2016), and Council Decision 2010/179/CFSP (2010-2012), demonstrating the EU's long-term commitment to addressing SALW challenges through SEESAC's proven expertise and strong regional track record.
Implemented by the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub through SEESAC, the project aimed to contribute to international peace and security by combating the threat posed by widespread SALW accumulation and illicit trafficking in and from SEE. Operating within the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) framework, the initiative enhanced regional stability through coordinated, evidence-based interventions developed in close cooperation with authorities in the region.
Beneficiaries
The project's geographic scope is South East Europe, with direct project beneficiaries being Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo1. In addition, the project facilitated the transfer of knowledge and expertise to Eastern European countries, Ukraine and Belarus.
The project was organized into four substantive components providing a holistic approach to SALW control in South East Europe.
Increased regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and information-sharing, leading to enhanced capacity for evidence-based policymaking
Regional cooperation and institutions’ capacity for evidence-based SALW control were strengthened by creating durable forums for policy dialogue, technical support and knowledge exchange across South East Europe and beyond. Through regular Regional Meetings of SALW Commissions, targeted technical advice and high-level political engagement, the component supported the establishment and strengthening of SALW Commissions, the adoption of strategies, and the development and endorsement of the Western Balkans SALW Control Roadmap at the high-level meeting. It expanded regional processes to include Belarus and Ukraine, promoted good practices and needs-based cooperation, and advanced gender-responsive approaches to SALW control. At the same time, it enhanced transparency and evidence-based policymaking through regional arms export reporting, a comprehensive regional SALW survey, and the launch of the Armed Violence Monitoring Platform (AVMP), which has become a key analytical tool for policymaking and a model replicated in other regions.
Improved capacity for PSSM through infrastructure security upgrades, surplus reduction and training
The risks of illicit proliferation were reduced by strengthening physical security and stockpile management through surplus destruction, infrastructure upgrades and regional training. Large quantities of SALW, parts and ammunition were safely destroyed, storage facilities and evidence rooms were upgraded to international standards, and regional workshops promoted the exchange of good practices, enhancing capacities for safe and effective stockpile management across the region.
Enhanced capacity for marking, tracing and record-keeping
Law-enforcement capacities were strengthened to prevent and combat illicit firearms trafficking by enhancing marking, tracing and recordkeeping through a regional cooperation approach. It reinforced operational information exchange via the South-East Europe Firearms Experts Network (SEEFEN), supported the establishment and strengthening of Firearms Focal Points as central analytical hubs, and equipped them with specialized IT tools, training and advisory support. In parallel, ballistic and forensic capacities were enhanced and firearms marking equipment was delivered, enabling beneficiaries to conduct effective tracing and investigations in line with EU standards.
Reducing illicit possession and misuse of firearms through support for awareness-raising and collection campaigns
Illicit possession and misuse of firearms were reduced by supporting regional awareness-raising and collection efforts that strengthened prevention and public understanding of firearm-related risks. Through a regional perception survey and the multi-language “Arm yourself with: Facts, Love, Knowledge, Action” campaign, the component generated evidence and raised awareness on the dangers of illegal firearms and their links to domestic violence, celebratory shootings and suicides, reaching over 100,000 people across South East Europe.